West Tigers captain Robbie Farah has a pretty good response to those who have already written off his team's chances this season.

"In 2012 we were premiership favourites and didn't even make the semis – so it goes to show you how spot on the pundits are," Farah said before training at Concord Oval on Saturday.

"We're not too concerned about what everyone else is saying. You don't win premierships in March, and you don't win wooden spoons either. We'll have a fair bit to say this year, I can assure you of that."

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The Tigers get their first chance to make some noise this season when they take on another side to have already been widely written off, St George Illawarra, at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. It will signal the start of life after Benji Marshall for the Tigers, who are up against it, with injuries and illness having dogged their build up to the match after an otherwise encouraging pre-season. Five players, including Farah, Aaron Woods and Pat Richards, have been suffering with boils but have recovered and will play.

"It's obviously been a disruptive week," the skipper said. "But you've just got to get on with the job and we'll do that. It will be a nice relief to finally get out there and play some footy."

Farah said the infected players had been "away from the group, been given the right treatment and everything's fine now".

The Blues hooker arrived at training with a syringe and tube taped to the back of his hand.

"I'll get back and train with the boys today," he said. "I'm looking forward to it after being on my own for a few days this week – [it's been] driving me crazy. A win will solve everything and no one will remember what happened this week."

Despite the hiccups, coach Mick Potter said the Tigers were in a "better position" and were "better equipped" at this stage than at the corresponding time last year, though he conceded there was significant pressure to make a strong start.

"The guys don't necessarily want to prove anyone wrong," Potter said. "It's a case of they want to show how good they are. This will be a good test for us."

Potter said there were a number of players he was keen to see produce big early season performances.

"Cory Paterson is one who's been around for a little bit and very keen to show he can still cut it in the NRL," he said.

"Pat Richards is back from having a fantastic stint in Super League with Wigan and he looks like he's been here for the whole time. He's quite intelligent as far as knowing what plays to do and he's going to add another dimension to our game. Young James Gavet had an unfortunate injury last year which kept him out for the season, but I'm excited to see him playing. I'm really keen to see him play NRL.

"The team has moved on [from Marshall], got on with what they've needed to do. They caught up with Benji in Auckland when we were over with the Nines. He's doing something different now. That's the thing with rugby league, someone moves on and someone else quickly fills the void. That's what Braith [Anasta] and Brookesy [halfback Luke Brooks] are doing this weekend."

Farah said the absence of injured Dragon Josh Dugan was "a massive loss for them", though he was weary of the fullback's replacement Adam Quinlan. Similarly, he said, the Tigers will feature players who had worked hard for their place in the team.

"Our two trial performances were really good," he said. "There's a few fresh faces who have earned their spot and I'm sure they'll do the Tigers jersey proud."

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